FAA reveals increase in wildlife strike reporting

According to a report commissioned by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), wildlife strike reporting for both commercial and general aviation airports continues to rise.

A new wildlife report carried out by Dr. Richard A. Dolbeer on behalf of the FAA, indicated a 42 percent increase in wildlife strike reporting during 2009 to 2013 compared to the previous period, 2004 to 2008. The report shows 47 percent of the wildlife strikes that occurred from 2009 to 2013 were reported to the FAA’s National Wildlife Strike Database.

Dr Dolbeer’s report concluded that the ‘FAA’s proactive continuing outreach actions with its aviation industry and government partners have improved the quantity and quality of voluntary wildlife strike reporting.’ The report also highlights a decrease in the number of damaging strikes, greater reporting of birds of all sizes, and the decrease of damaging strikes within the airport environment. Other findings note a decrease in the average bird size involved in strikes, and an increase in the number of reports that identify the bird species.

In addition, the report identifies an adequate level of reporting to track national trends in wildlife strikes, so mandatory reporting is not necessary at this time. It also provides a scientific basis for the FAA to develop policies and guidance to mitigate wildlife strikes; and the reporting process complies with International Civil Aviation Organization standards. 

The FAA wildlife strike report can be found here.